How Did The Post Nuclear War Affect American Culture In The 1960s

By 1960 fears of nuclear war, Soviet advances in space exploration and technology, And a persistent recession at home. Generally a 1960 the American public have lost their confidence and seemed to have lost their way as well. This sense of lacking is something that John F Kennedy made Central to his 1960 campaign for president. By October 1957 Sputnik, a Soviet satellite was launched. One month later the Soviets launched another satellite carrying a small dog, the first living creature to to leave the Earth's atmosphere. Abroad these Soviet advances seemed to erode America's status and the value of American capitalism. Thirdly Soviet success with the intercontinental ballistic missiles, (ICBM), negatively affected American national pride as well as created fear that the Soviets
Fears of radioactive fallout and potential health problems we're also increasing as it was being learned that radioactive substances were being found in soil and food. The general unease and fear was capitalized on by Hollywood. A number of motion pictures were produced as well that played to the public concern and fears of the atomic age. 1959 saw the most poignant film of the decade produced depicting the human race after nuclear war. On the beach painted an apocalyptic and frightening picture of America post-nuclear war. Another threat that created a threat a great amount of fear was that of communism moving into the Western Hemisphere. Within 90 miles of the coast of Florida on the small island of Cuba Fidel Castro led a successful Insurrection against the American supported dictatorship of Batista. After the United States threatened cut off economic aid to Castro he declared his support for communism and align himself with the Soviets as well as confiscating about 1 billion dollars worth of United States